Here’s a fun fact for you: Arctic Trucks was originally founded in 1990 as a specialist subdivision of Toyota in Iceland. No better environment on earth to prove off-road mettle, and no tougher collection of 4x4s than Toyotas to beef up further for Arctic adventure. Using a Toyota Hilux for the Top Gear North Pole challenge makes even more sense with that knowledge, and it should be no surprise to see a fully kitted-out new Land Cruiser from AT already. According to them, this AT37 ‘marks the latest chapter in Arctic Trucks’ long-standing association with the leading Japanese automaker’s legendary Land Cruiser, which remains an integral part of AT’s unparalleled tally of world records and firsts in the harshest environments on earth.’
So it’s a very serious Land Cruiser, put it that way. The name comes from its 37-inch tyres, for starters, with a choice for most markets of BF Goodrich rubber: either the All-Terrain T/A K03, or the more extreme Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 ‘for more grip toughness and wear performance across a wide range of conditions.’ The wheels, as well as being great to look at and forged, are also dual valve, for easier monitoring and modulation of tyre pressures off-road. The speedo and tyre pressure monitoring, all that sort of thing, has also been recalibrated.
This being an Arctic Trucks Land Cruiser, the required body modifications for the ginormous wheel/tyre combo have been wholeheartedly embraced. So the new widebody look is actually made of 10 parts, from side steps to arches and all the bumpers as well; in addition to the increased track width, a relocation of the rear axle actually extends the wheelbase. Arctic suggests that the Land Cruiser is ‘surprisingly comfortable, composed and direct on-road’ despite its overt off-road focus. Looks a lot of fun, that’s for certain.
Underneath the AT37 is a new suspension system designed with Dakar-winning specialists R53 Suspension, with significantly increased travel. The Land Cruiser even gets hydraulic bump stops like a real rally raid car. R53’s OptiFlow technology, which improves oil flow around the damper, promises ‘peak performance during the most mundane or exceptional of journeys.’ You’re never going to have to stop for anything, basically, be that a sand dune or a very aggressive kerb. The suspension is two-way adjustable, and the AT37 sits 40mm higher than a standard Land Cruiser.
There’s extra kit for those who take their off-roading very seriously indeed. Familiar from other Arctic Trucks builds is the multi-function received hitch at the rear, to which can be attached everything from winches to barbeques. There are even Arctic Trucks mud guards for both axles. And badges absolutely everywhere. Suffice it to say that it’s not only the giant tyres that will mark this out as an AT Land Cruiser.
Thomas Cogez, Toyota Sales and Marketing Director in Africa, said: “By combining Toyota’s world-renowned engineering excellence with Arctic Trucks' expertise in creating extreme off-road vehicles, we aim to deliver a next-level driving experience that will redefine performance and durability in challenging African terrains. Together, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of adventure and reliability, ensuring the Land Cruiser Prado and AT37 edition continues to lead the way in off-road capability.” If a Toyota can prove itself in Iceland, it can prove itself anywhere. The new truck will be available from the second quarter of this year as a dealer-supplied vehicle or as a conversion package for customers in Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle East. For customers in the UK, it might be the only way into a Land Cruiser, given current availability. And with secondhand ones commanding £80k-plus, it’s easy to imagine a six-figure Land Cruiser resulting from Arctic Trucks’ overhaul. But then if a Defender OCTA seems tame, this might be just the thing…
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